Black Widow Spider

Black Widow Spider

Latrodectus spp.

Size: 1/2" (females)

Color: Black, brownish-black, red with red hourglass marking

Legs: Eight

Black Widow Spider Facts

The quintessential femme fatale of spiders, the black widow spider delivers a kiss you won’t soon forget. She delivers a bite that can cause intense, lasting discomfort in humans, and are lethal lovers to their male counterparts. With venom being 15 times stronger than that of a rattlesnake’s, the black widow spider is one of the most venomous spiders in North America.

Black Widow Spider Bites

Both male and female spiders are venomous, however the female sex is the one that will cause the most damage. The reaction you’ll have to black widow spider bites depends on where you were bitten, the amount of venom delivered, and how sensitive you are to the venom. Once bitten, the venom is in the bloodstream and travels all over the body, affecting the nervous system. While there are a variety of factors to consider, these bites can cause intense pain.

You might not even know if you’ve been bitten by a black widow spider, but you may also feel a brief stabbing sensation. The affected area might swell and have to red spots where the fangs broke the skin. Once the venom is in the body, most pain will be focused in the back and midsection, and will be in the form of cramping or rigidity of muscles. If the affected person is particularly sensitive, nausea, sweating, restlessness, and fever may also occur.

These symptoms should calm down after a day, and should be completely stop after several. It is uncommon to be met with long-term issues or death from these bites.

If you suspect you’ve been bitten by a black widow spider, immediately seek medical attention. Apply ice to the affected area to reduce any swelling or pain that may occur. Depending on the severity of the bite and sensitivity to the venom, a person bitten by this spider may need a hospital stay.

If it is possible, collect the spider with a jar or other container so that identification and testing can be done.

Black Widow Spider Infestation

Black widow spiders will mate in the spring and summer months. The black widow spider is named so because females will, occasionally, eat males after they have mated. Male spiders can mate at least three times with different females. Jealousy, perhaps?

Females will lay eggs in white sacs covered in silk that will later turn tan or gray. These can contain anywhere between 25 to 250 eggs. Multiple sacs may be produced during mating season. The female suspends these sacs in her web and guards them until they hatch, which is after about four weeks. This will take place right inside the sacs. To reach full maturity, young spiders need between 2 to 4 months.

The black widow spider is a cobweb builder, and their webs have a diameter of about one foot. Females will not voluntarily leave this site. Indoors, you’ll find these webs near the ground in dark, closed-off locations. Outside, these are found near woodpiles, abandoned animal burrows, or in other places where they will not be disturbed. The web is not only home to the black widow spider, but it also helps trap various insects for food. The black widow spider will only show herself at night, as she is nocturnal.

Types of Black Widow Spiders

Adult females are characterized by their shiny black bodies and their globe-like abdomen that is home to a distinguishing red hourglass shape. This color can vary from shades of red, to orange, or even yellow. Female black widow spiders are between 8 and 10 millimeters long, whereas males are only 3 to 4 millimeters long.

Black Widow Spiders In The House & The Garden

Black widows will seek out protected area in your yard and will hide woodpiles, decks, stones, and hollow trees. They often seek shelter in dry structures like barns, hen houses, sheds and even meter boxes. Within the home, black widow spiders choose areas where they can easily find insect prey such as basements, crawl spaces and garages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are black widow spiders poisonous?

To prevent black widow spiders from entering your home, install screens around your doors and windows. Seal any cracks that may be entryways that spiders might use.

Reducing the presence of black widow spiders is possible if you maintain a tidy space both inside and out. Any old boxes, clothing, wood, or other unattended items should be discarded. Keep your attics, basements, and crawlspaces clutter-free.

If you see these spiders, their eggs, or their webs, it is safe to vacuum them up. After doing this, seal the vacuum bag in a plastic bag, and then discard it in a trash bit outside.

It is also possible to get rid of black widow spiders with insecticide. There are some products that are available to the public, while others can be used only by licensed professionals.

Benefits of Professional Black Widow Spider Pest Control

A pest management professional has the education, equipment and skills necessary to effectively address a black widow spider problem. Finding and treating the black widow spiders can be challenging, especially if they are spread throughout your yard. A pest management professional provides their expertise to identify the pest problem and determine the best possible solution to resolve the black widow spider infestation.